Minamitorishima

Japan and the United States plan joint extraction of rare earth minerals near Minamitorishima to reduce both countries dependence on China.

Japan and the United States have announced a joint initiative to extract rare earth minerals from waters near the remote Pacific island of Minamitorishima, as both countries seek to reduce their reliance on China for these critical resources.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the project will begin with a demonstration test in January 2026, targeting mud deposits located approximately 6,000 meters below the ocean surface. Surveys conducted near the island, about 1,950 kilometers southeast of central Tokyo, indicate significant …